Sundowns regroup after Raja Casablanca loss

After suffering his first defeat as Mamelodi Sundowns coach when they lost to Morocco giants Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League Group B match away on Saturday, Miguel Cardoso is desperate for a win when they visit Maniema Union on Saturday to keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive.

Benaissa Benamar’s goal in the first half was enough to earn Raja their 1-0 victory and first win.

Despite the defeat, Sundowns remain second in their group but now trail AS FAR by three points and are just one point ahead of Raja and lead Maniema by two. 

“Unfortunately, the results are what it is. Now it’s important to focus on the next one and look forward to what we have ahead. It’s an important match now to play away with Maniema,” Cardoso said.

“So, let’s recover as much as we can, our players. Let’s also see because we lost three players for the next match. Let’s try to see who is ready and in condition to give the answer we need.”

The match on Saturday produced three red cards, two for Sundowns players Bathusi Aubaas and Khuliso Mudau, while Marouane Zila was also sent off for Raja. Cardoso said the red cards made it difficult for them.

“It was a difficult match. That first half especially we had to cope with a lot of pressure that reduces the spaces to play,” he said.

“We were not able to find the available spaces, mostly on the back of their defence. They put their defensive line very high and we struggled a little bit to find the spaces.

“We had just lost one player, so we needed to arrive at halftime to eventually make all the arrangements and tactically position the team in the best way.

“After the red card, we rebalanced the team to try to make it our best to win. We had two free moments and didn’t take advantage of them.”